DOCSLIB.ORG

Lincoln and Oregon Todd Hageman Eastern Illinois University This Research Is a Product of the Graduate Program in History at Eastern Illinois University

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Lincoln and Oregon Todd Hageman Eastern Illinois University This Research Is a Product of the Graduate Program in History at Eastern Illinois University Eastern Illinois University The Keep Masters Theses Student Theses & Publications 1988 Lincoln and Oregon Todd Hageman Eastern Illinois University This research is a product of the graduate program in History at Eastern Illinois University. Find out more about the program. Recommended Citation Hageman, Todd, "Lincoln and Oregon" (1988). Masters Theses. 2572. https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2572 This is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Theses & Publications at The Keep. It has been accepted for inclusion in Masters Theses by an authorized administrator of The Keep. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THESIS REPRODUCTION CERTIFICATE TO: Graduate Degree Candidates who have written formal theses. SUBJECT: Permission to reproduce theses. The University Library is receiving a number of requests from other institutions asking permission to reproduce dissertations for inclusion in their library holdings. Although no copyright laws are involved, we feel that professional courtesy demands that permission be obtained from the author before we allow theses to be copied. Please sign one of the following statements: Booth Library of Eastern Illinois University has my permission to lend my thesis to a reputable college or university for the purpose of copying it for inclusion in that institution's library or research holdings. Date Author I respectfully request Booth Library of Eastern Illinois University not allow my thesis be reproduced because -�� Date Author m LINCOLN AND OREGON (Tl II() BY Todd Hageman THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILIJv1ENT Of THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY IN THE GRAOUATE SCHOOL, EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CHARLESTON, ILLINOIS 1988 YtAK I HEREBY RECOMMEND THIS THESIS BE ACCEPTED AS FULFILLING THIS PART OF THE GRADUATE DEGRl:E CITED ABOVE --,.--- - './ DEPAR1MENT Hf AD !/ To my wife Ann, for her support. LINCOLN AND OREGON by Todd Hageman ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I owe a great deal to my parents who financed my undergraduate education , my sister , and my brother for the seemingly constant and invaluable use of his typewriter. A special thank you goes to the interlibrary loan librarians in Booth Library . I also owe a great deal to the entire History Department faculty and staff at Eastern Illinois University for their tutelage, especially Dr. Wolfgang Schlauch , and Mr . Robert Sterling for their contributions and criticisms of this paper. I especially want to thank my thesis advisor , Dr . John Haley, for his conscientious guidance throughout this project. ABSTRACT The Civil War is one of the most significant events in American history . President Abraham Lincoln's term in office was dominated by the war, therefore the study of Lincoln has likewise been dominated by War developments. The war 's battles were overwhelmingly concentrated in the eastern United States, and hence the American west has largely been ignored by Lincoln scholars. This study attempts to uncover Lincoln 's policy toward Oregon, including War developments and his domestic po licy, to partially fill the "western gap" in Lincoln scholarship. Oregon was admitted to the federal Union in 1859, and by Lincoln 's election in 1860 that state 's population remained Lelatively small. Shortly after Lincoln's election the Civil war broke out, and Oregon 's remoteness from Washington , D.C. made its situation difficult for Lincoln because communication was slow without a telegraph and transportation was laggard without the transcontinental railroad . A majority of Oregonians remained loyal to the Union , however a vocal minority formed a chapter of the Knights of the Golden Circle in Oregon to hinder the War 's success. The Knights even allied with other individuals in an effort to separate Oregon and California tram the Union and form an independent Pacific Coast Republic. Oregon consisted mainly of Democratic voters, and after the War i began Oregon 's Democratic Governor John Whiteaker was hostile toward Lincoln 's vigorous prosecution of the war . The attack on Fort Sumter by the Confederates had a great impact upon the Oregonians. Most Oregonians viewed the Confederate attack as the act that initiated the Wa r, and as a result Union sentiment in Oregon was strengthened. Lincoln acted quickly to secure Oregon for the Union by forming a regiment of cavalry to remain in Oregon to guard its frontier during the Wa r. The cavalry performed its duties we ll until their term of enlistment expired a�d Lincoln authorized a regiment of cavalry to take its place . Although the majority of Oregonians supported Lincoln and the War , the troops were needed to suppress threatened uprisings by the Knights and Indians living in Oregon . Lincoln 's war policy toward Oregon was just one part of his overall policy . Along with forming troop regiments , initiating the construction of forts , and supplying Oregon with an iron-clad, Lincoln also had a domestic policy toward Oregon . Lincoln reformed the federal circuit court system in order to include Oregon and other states into the system. Lincoln also signed the Homestead Act, the Pacific Railroad Act, and an act to provide economic assistance for a Pacific telegraph , all of which were pieces of legislation that Oregonians had long coveted . In return Oregon shipped large quantities of its gold eastward to help finance the war effort. ii Lincoln 's policy toward Oregon was one of patience and prudence. Lincoln insured Oregonian support for the Union by supporting legislation that they had perennially demanded without antagonizing the Knights. He also acted decisively in his war policy toward Oregon that enabled that state to mobilize against both internal and external foes. iii TAOLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction ........................................Page 1 II. Oregon From Territorial Status Through The Secession Crisis ............................................Page 7 III. Lincoln 's Early War Policy Toward Oregon ............Page 27 IV . Lincoln's Domestic Policy Toward Oregon .............Page 57 V. Lincoln 's Later War Policy Toward Oregon ............Page 69 VI. Conclusion ..........................................Page 85 I. INTRODUCTION President Abraham Lincoln's term in office is the subject of varied interpretations. The interpretations range from Lincoln's glorification as a martyr and saint, to some revisionists ' descriptions of him as a conniving , racist tyrant. These profoundly divergent interpretations exist partially because Lincoln 's administration experienced American history 's most tumultuous period , and that period 's bitter sectional feelings linger somewhat to the present . The sheer number of people interested in the American Civil War , coupled with the intense, conflicting attitudes that Americans have concerning the War have made Lincoln's presidency the most written about administration in American history . Voluminous accounts, revisions, analyses , and interpretations have been written concerning Abraham Lincoln, and one might assume that every aspect of his presidency has been covered. However, that is not the case . The American West is rarely mentioned in volumes concerning Abraham Lincoln. Many "definitive" sources hardly mention Lincoln's policy toward the area west of the 2 Mississippi River , let alone the Pacific Coast. This is because historians tend to concentrate solely on Civil War developments. The purpose of this study is to partially fill this void in the historiography of Lincoln scholarship . This study will explore Lincoln 's policy toward Oregon during his presidential tenure. It wi ll include: a brief description of Oregon 's history from its exploration through the election of 1860 in order to gain a perspective on Oregon 's population and political environment, Linco ln 's military and internal policy toward Oregon, and public reaction to Lincoln's presidency will complete the study . This study is intended to look at Oregon 's relationship to the federal government and the Lincoln administration, and it is not a detailed study of Oregon during the Civil War . Surprisingly , the histories of Oregon and Lincoln shared more than is superficially apparent . Many migrants to Oregon were Lincoln 's close personal friends, with whom he kept in contact during his presidency, and some received federal appointments. Also, Oregon 's internal political situation during the War was such that it demanded Lincoln's attention and action although the state was far removed from the major military battles and political controversies. Long before Lincoln 's administration , however , Oregon was a remote, western frontier that attracted intense inter­ national competition for settlement . 3 The famed "Northwest Passage" lured explorers into Oregon . The British, under Captain James Cook , were the first to "discover" Oregon in 1778. Although the British did not find the potentially lucrative "Northwest Passage ," they did find wealth by cheaply obtaining sea otter pe lts from the Indians and selling them for extremely high returns in China . By 1785 many British private trading companies , along with King George 's royal company , were reaping Oregon 's wealth. Subsequent English explorers, such as George Vancouver and Alexander Mackenzie ''firmly established England 's title to the Northwest," yet the Americans were far from being out of the picture . l In 1787 Robert Gray and Benjamin Kindrick, lured by Cook 's published journal, eagerly sailed for Oregon to enter the prosperous Oriental trade. Their voyage 's successful
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Long Red Thread How Democratic Dominance Gave Way to Republican Advantage in Us House of Representatives Elections, 1964
    THE LONG RED THREAD HOW DEMOCRATIC DOMINANCE GAVE WAY TO REPUBLICAN ADVANTAGE IN U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ELECTIONS, 1964-2018 by Kyle Kondik A thesis submitted to Johns Hopkins University in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Baltimore, Maryland September 2019 © 2019 Kyle Kondik All Rights Reserved Abstract This history of U.S. House elections from 1964-2018 examines how Democratic dominance in the House prior to 1994 gave way to a Republican advantage in the years following the GOP takeover. Nationalization, partisan realignment, and the reapportionment and redistricting of House seats all contributed to a House where Republicans do not necessarily always dominate, but in which they have had an edge more often than not. This work explores each House election cycle in the time period covered and also surveys academic and journalistic literature to identify key trends and takeaways from more than a half-century of U.S. House election results in the one person, one vote era. Advisor: Dorothea Wolfson Readers: Douglas Harris, Matt Laslo ii Table of Contents Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………....ii List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………..iv List of Figures……………………………………………………………………………..v Introduction: From Dark Blue to Light Red………………………………………………1 Data, Definitions, and Methodology………………………………………………………9 Chapter One: The Partisan Consequences of the Reapportionment Revolution in the United States House of Representatives, 1964-1974…………………………...…12 Chapter 2: The Roots of the Republican Revolution:
    [Show full text]
  • “A Proper Attitude of Resistance”
    Library of Congress, sn84026366 “A Proper Attitude of Resistance” The Oregon Letters of A.H. Francis to Frederick Douglass, 1851–1860 PRIMARY DOCUMENT by Kenneth Hawkins BETWEEN 1851 AND 1860, A.H. Francis wrote over a dozen letters to his friend Frederick Douglass, documenting systemic racism and supporting Black rights. Douglass I: “A PROPER ATTITUDE OF RESISTANCE” 1831–1851 published those letters in his newspapers, The North Star and Frederick Douglass’ Paper. The November 20, 1851, issue of Frederick Douglass’ Paper is shown here. In September 1851, when A.H. Francis flourished. The debate over whether and his brother I.B. Francis had just to extend slavery to Oregon contin- immigrated from New York to Oregon ued through the decade, eventually and set up a business on Front Street entangling A.H. in a political feud in Portland, a judge ordered them to between Portland’s Whig newspaper, in letters to Black newspapers, Francis 200 White Oregonians (who signed a leave the territory. He found them in the Oregonian, edited by Thomas explored the American Revolution’s petition to the territorial legislature on violation of Oregon’s Black exclusion Dryer, and Oregon’s Democratic party legacy of rights for Blacks, opposed their behalf), the brothers successfully law, which barred free and mixed-race organ in Salem, the Oregon States- schemes to colonize Africa with free resisted the chief Supreme Court jus- Black people from residence and man, edited by Asahel Bush.2 Francis American Black people, and extolled tice’s expulsion order and negotiated most civil rights. A.H. had been an also continued his collaboration with the opportunities available through accommodations to succeed on the active abolitionist in New York for two Douglass through a series of letters economic uplift and immigration to the far periphery of what Thomas Jefferson decades, working most recently with that Douglass published between American West.
    [Show full text]
  • Portland City Council Agenda
    CITY OF OFFICIAL PORTLAND, OREGON MINUTES A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTLAND, OREGON WAS HELD THIS 13TH DAY OF JUNE, 2018 AT 9:30 A.M. THOSE PRESENT WERE: Mayor Wheeler, Presiding; Commissioners Eudaly, Fish, Fritz and Saltzman, 5. OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE: Karla Moore-Love, Clerk of the Council; Karen Moynahan, Chief Deputy City Attorney; Heidi Brown, Senior Deputy City Attorney at 1:35 p.m.; and Nicholas Livingston and John Paolazzi, Sergeants at Arms. Item No. 633 was pulled for discussion and on a Y-5 roll call, the balance of the Consent Agenda was adopted. The meeting recessed at 12:23 p.m. and reconvened at 12:30 p.m. Disposition: COMMUNICATIONS 622 Request of Dee White to address Council regarding chronically dangerous levels of lead in our drinking water (Communication) PLACED ON FILE 623 Request of David Kif Davis to address Council regarding City sponsored political terrorism (Communication) PLACED ON FILE 624 Request of Kevin Fitts to address Council regarding elderly/disabled centered housing policies in low income housing (Communication) PLACED ON FILE 625 Request of Paul Watts, Graffiti Removal Services to address Council regarding progress report on graffiti removal program (Communication) PLACED ON FILE June 13-14, 2018 TIMES CERTAIN 626 TIME CERTAIN: 9:45 AM – Add a new per night fee assessed on Booking Agents or Transient Lodging Intermediaries for the privilege of facilitating a Short-Term Rental Occupancy (Ordinance introduced by Mayor Wheeler and Commissioner Fish; add Code Chapter 6.09) 45 minutes requested for items 626 and 627 PASSED TO Motion that the funds will go directly to the Housing SECOND READING Investment Fund and amend ordinance and impact statement AS AMENDED accordingly: Moved by Wheeler and seconded by Fish.
    [Show full text]
  • Sexual Assault in the Political Sphere Robert Larsen University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Honors Theses, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Honors Program Spring 3-12-2018 Sexual Assault in the Political Sphere Robert Larsen University of Nebraska-Lincoln Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/honorstheses Part of the American Politics Commons, and the Politics and Social Change Commons Larsen, Robert, "Sexual Assault in the Political Sphere" (2018). Honors Theses, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 46. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/honorstheses/46 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Honors Program at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors Theses, University of Nebraska-Lincoln by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE POLITICAL SPHERE An Undergraduate Honors Thesis Submitted in Partial fulfillment of University Honors Program Requirements University of Nebraska-Lincoln by Robert E. Larsen, BA Political Science College of Arts and Sciences March 12, 2018 Faculty Mentors: John Gruhl, PhD, Political Science 1 Abstract This project sought to analyze how sexual assault in the political sphere is perceived and treated in contemporary society in the United States of America. The thesis analyzed eight cases of sexual misconduct, including six from the past thirty years. In each case, the reaction of party and social leaders, of the politician’s constituents and of the politician himself were looked at, as well as the consequences the politician faced. The results were then analyzed side-by-side to discover similarities and differences between ho cases of sexual assault allegations were treated and in terms of what happened to the politician after the allegations came out.
    [Show full text]
  • Charles Ingersoll: the ^Aristocrat As Copperhead
    Charles Ingersoll: The ^Aristocrat as Copperhead HE INGERSOLL FAMILY is one of America's oldest. The first Ingersoll came to America in 1629, just nine years after the T^Mayflower. The first Philadelphia Ingersoll was Jared Inger- soll, who came to the city in 1771 as presiding judge of the King's vice-admiralty court. Previously, he had been the King's colonial agent and stamp master in Connecticut. During the Revolution, Jared remained loyal to the Crown. He stayed in Philadelphia for the first two years of the war, but in 1777, when he and other Tories were forced to leave, he returned to Connecticut, where he lived quietly until his death in 1781.1 Jared's son, Jared, Jr., was the first prominent Philadelphia Inger- soll. He came to Philadelphia with his father in 1771, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1778. Unlike his father, Jared, Jr., wholeheartedly supported the Revolution. Subsequently, he was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, a member of the city council, city solicitor, attorney general of Pennsylvania, and United States District Attorney. Politically, he was an ardent Fed- eralist, but politics and affairs of state were never his prime interest; his real interest was the law, and most of his time and energy was devoted to his legal practice.2 Jared, Jr.'s, son, Charles Jared Ingersoll, was probably the most interesting of the Philadelphia Ingersolls. Like his father, grand- father, and most of the succeeding generations of Ingersolls, Charles Jared was a lawyer. He began a practice in Philadelphia in 1802, but devoted much of his time to politics.
    [Show full text]
  • Sam Brownback
    Sam Brownback Born to Robert and Nancy Brownback, Sam grew up on the family farm near Parker, Kansas. His parents still live and work on the family farm. Growing up, Sam learned the importance of hard work, responsibility and family. He watched his parents persevere during droughts and heavy rains. He worked alongside his family to bring in the crops and take care of the livestock. Education Sam’s passion for public service began when he attended Prairie View High School when he was elected state president of the Future Farmers of America and then later national FFA vice-president. His participation in FFA taught him about leadership. After graduating for Prairie View in 1974, Sam attended Kansas State University in Manhattan where he served as KSU student body president his senior year. He also belonged to the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He received his degree in Agricultural Economics in 1978. After working for a year hosting a radio show, Sam attended the University of Kansas Law School where he was his class' president before completing his law degree in 1982. Family Sam met his wife Mary while they were both in law school. They have been married for 28 years. Sam calls Mary “the glue that holds our family together”. They live in Topeka and have five children – Abby, Andy, Liz, Mark and Jenna. After their own adoption experience, the Brownbacks helped establish the Building Families Fund to assist Kansas families with adoption expenses. After law school, Sam and Mary moved to Manhattan where Sam went to work for a local law firm and Mary commuted to Lawrence to finish her law degree.
    [Show full text]
  • “Sunset” Cox and the Etheridge Conspiracy of 1863
    Power Grab: “Sunset” Cox and the Etheridge Conspiracy of 1863 By Fergus M. Bordewich The National Capital Washington DC, winter 1863-64, just after "Freedom" had been installed Shortly after noon on the afternoon of December 2, 1863 workmen hoisted the classical head of a goddess over the scree of construction detritus, blocks of marble, and thousands of expectant, freezing citizens three hundred feet to the top of the Capitol’s dome, and lowered it onto the shoulders of the cast-iron effigy of Freedom. Her figure, it was hoped, would gaze forever over the Federal City with its multitudes of battle-worn soldiers, ragged contrabands, government clerks, and harried politicians, and beyond them toward a nation soon to be triumphantly reunited by the armies of the Union. Cannon boomed and onlookers huzzahed as the head settled into place. Beneath the magnificent new dome, however, all was not well. In the marble halls below, a parliamentary coup was afoot that threatened to unravel the coalition that had steered the nation through almost three stormy years of war. Wrote an anxious Rep. Henry Dawes of Massachusetts, “I can think of nothing but a Bull Run so disastrous to our cause as that they might hear in Richmond and abroad that our own House of Representatives was in a state of revolution.” In keeping with the laws of the time, the new Thirty-Eighth Congress that had been elected in 1862 was only now, more than a year later, being seated. Anti-administration House Democrats had made substantial and worrisome gains, gaining twenty-seven seats in the House of Representatives.
    [Show full text]
  • Bush House Today Lies Chiefly in Its Rich, Unaltered Interior,Rn Which Includes Original Embossed French Wall Papers, Brass Fittings, and Elaborate Woodwork
    Form 10-300 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR STATE: (July 1969) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Oregon COUNTTY: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Mari on INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY ENTRY NUMBER DATE (Type all entries — complete applica#ie\s&ctipns) / \ ' •• &•••» JAN 211974 COMMON: /W/' .- ' L7 w G I 17 i97«.i< ——————— Bush (Asahel) House —— U^ ——————————— AND/OR HISTORIC: \r«----. ^ „. I.... ; „,. .....,.„„.....,.,.„„,„,..,.,..,..,.,, , ,, . .....,,,.,,,M,^,,,,,,,,M,MM^;Mi,,,,^,,p'K.Qic:r,£: 'i-; |::::V^^:iX.::^:i:rtW^:^ :^^ Sii U:ljif&:ii!\::T;:*:WW:;::^^ STREET AND NUMBER: "^s / .•.-'.••-' ' '* ; , X •' V- ; '"."...,, - > 600 Mission Street s. F. W J , CITY OR TOWN: Oregon Second Congressional Dist. Salem Representative Al TJllman STATE CODE COUNT ^ : CO D E Oreeon 97301 41 Marien Q47 STATUS ACCESSIBLE CATEGORY OWNERSHIP (Check One) TO THE PUBLIC r] District |t] Building SO Public Public Acquisit on: E Occupied Yes: r-, n . , D Restricted G Site Q Structure D Private Q ' n Process ( _| Unoccupied -j . —. _ X~l Unrestricted [ —[ Object | | Both [ | Being Consider ea Q Preservation work ^~ ' in progress ' — I PRESENT USE (Check One or More as Appropriate) \ | Agricultural | | Government | | Park [~] Transportation l~l Comments | | Commercial CD Industrial | | Private Residence G Other (Specify) Q Educational d] Military Q Religious [ | Entertainment GsV Museum QJ] Scientific ...................... OWNER'S NAME: Ul (owner proponent of nomination) P ) ———————City of Salem————————————————————————————————————————— - )
    [Show full text]
  • The 13Th Amendment Signed by Abraham Lincoln
    Abolishing Slavery: The 13th Amendment Signed by Abraham Lincoln “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude…shall exist within the United States” Abraham Lincoln. Manuscript Document Signed (“Abraham Lincoln”) as President, with his Autograph Endorsement (“Approved. February 1, 1865.”) Washington, D.C., ca. February 1, 1865. Co-signed by Hannibal Hamlin as Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate, Schuyler Colfax as Speaker of the House, and John W. Forney as Secretary of the Senate. 1 p., 15 1/16 x 20 in., on lined vellum with ruled borders. #22159 This amendment, outlawing slavery and involuntary servitude, was the first substantive change to America’s conception of its liberties since the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791. After signing the original resolution on February 1, Lincoln responded to a serenade, and to questions about the legality of the Emancipation Proclamation and prior efforts to eradicate slavery, by saying that the amendment “is a king’s cure for all the evils. It winds the whole thing up.” Transcript: A Duplicate. Thirty-Eighth Congress of the United States of America, at the second session, begun and held at the City of Washington, on Monday the fifth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four. A Resolution submitting to the legislatures of the several States a proposition to amend the Constitution of the United States. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, (two-thirds of both Houses concurring,) That the following article be proposed to the legislatures of the several States as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which, when ratified by three-fourths of said legislatures, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as a part of the said Constitution, namely: Article XIII.
    [Show full text]
  • How an Outdated Electoral Structure Has Led to Political Polarization in the United States
    The United States Election System: How an Outdated Electoral Structure has led to Political Polarization in the United States by Jake Fitzharris A THESIS submitted to Oregon State University Honors College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Honors Baccalaureate of Science in Political Science and Psychology (Honors Associate) Presented January 24, 2019 Commencement June 2019 AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Jake Fitzharris for the degree of Honors Baccalaureate of Science in Political Science and Psychology presented on January 24, 2019. Title: The United States Election System: How an Outdated Electoral Structure has led to Political Polarization in the United States. Abstract approved:_____________________________________________________ Christopher Nichols Political Polarization in the United States is at a level higher today than at any point in the past few decades. Possible causes of this rise in polarization have been provided from various sources, including explanations such as mass media and income inequality. Through historical analysis and a wide literature review, this thesis explores a major factor in political polarization, the United States election system. The thesis argues that the election system in the United States exacerbates the intensely polarized political climate of the modern day United States in three main ways: the electoral college, which produces the persisting two party system, primary elections, which reinforce extreme candidate views, and districting, which tends to increase politically uniform districts and lead candidates to position themselves at the poles rather than in the center. The thesis concludes that the only way to eliminate political polarization stemming from all of these sources would be to implement a unique proportional representation system for the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • LINCOLN and the COPPERHEADS in the CIVIL WAR in January 1863
    SNAKES LURKING IN THE GRASS: LINCOLN AND THE COPPERHEADS IN THE CIVIL WAR In January 1863, Abraham Lincoln was confronted with a threat more dangerous than that of the Confederate Army. The Union Army was visibly struggling toward victory with each passing battle and it seemed as if the war was far from concluding. Lincoln’s problems were not just limited to the battlefield, but the president was also burdened in dealing with intense opposition toward his government on the homefront. The threat was the Copperhead movement: Congressional Democrats were banning together in opposition to the war and proposing immediate peace through negotiations with the Confederacy. The Copperhead challenge came at an uneasy period in Lincoln’s presidency as the American public became more hostile towards the war effort. Numerous setbacks for the Union troops and the hardships of the war at home wore at the patience of many Americans and the President himself. The Copperheads took advantage of the public agitation by attacking Lincoln’s actions and character while deeming his expansion of power as unconstitutional and dangerous. Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus and use of martial law agitated this political opposition. The Copperheads were successful in gaining support before the election of 1864 through their attacks on Lincoln’s perceived abuse of civil liberties and expansion of power; however, Lincoln’s ability to lead the nation in troubling times, as well as a turn in the tide of the war, prevented the election of a Copperhead president and exposed the weaknesses of the movement. The supporters of the Copperhead movement were quite varied and diverse.
    [Show full text]
  • Churches of Christ and Christian Churches in Early Oregon, 1842-1882 Jerry Rushford Pepperdine University
    Pepperdine University Pepperdine Digital Commons Churches of Christ Heritage Center Jerry Rushford Center 1-1-1998 Christians on the Oregon Trail: Churches of Christ and Christian Churches in Early Oregon, 1842-1882 Jerry Rushford Pepperdine University Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/heritage_center Part of the Christianity Commons Recommended Citation Rushford, Jerry, "Christians on the Oregon Trail: Churches of Christ and Christian Churches in Early Oregon, 1842-1882" (1998). Churches of Christ Heritage Center. Item 5. http://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/heritage_center/5 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Jerry Rushford Center at Pepperdine Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Churches of Christ Heritage Center by an authorized administrator of Pepperdine Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. CHRISTIANS About the Author ON THE Jerry Rushford came to Malibu in April 1978 as the pulpit minister for the University OREGON TRAIL Church of Christ and as a professor of church history in Pepperdine’s Religion Division. In the fall of 1982, he assumed his current posi­ The Restoration Movement originated on tion as director of Church Relations for the American frontier in a period of religious Pepperdine University. He continues to teach half time at the University, focusing on church enthusiasm and ferment at the beginning of history and the ministry of preaching, as well the nineteenth century. The first leaders of the as required religion courses. movement deplored the numerous divisions in He received his education from Michigan the church and urged the unity of all Christian College, A.A.
    [Show full text]